APT’s founders deliberately sought an outdoor setting, affirming for actor and audience alike the inspiration that many of the great playwrights derived from the natural world. Here, in this setting, playgoers experience firsthand the sights and sounds, the forces and elements of nature so evident in these great stories: trees, flowers, birds (and other winged creatures), stars, moon, wind and weather.
As stewards of the land, we take great pride in our efforts to restore and nurture the many rare and diverse species that live here. We invite you to experience the unique beauty and to learn about the rich natural heritage of this land on which we are privileged to make our home.
Prairies
Our prairies consist of both native grasses and prairie wildflowers, also known as forbs. Their colorful blooms attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. To get enough sunlight, forbs tend to match the height of the grasses. Look for low-growing forbs in the spring, when grasses are still short. Summer and fall forbs are much taller.
Prairies found at APT
Dry: Plants adapted to shallow soil over sand or limestone with no standing water. Dry prairies on steep slopes are also called "Goat Prairies."
Mesic: Plants adapted to loam (soil with sand, silt and clay) with medium moisture.
APT's Oak Savanna
In 2008, APT started restoring a six-acre area on the eastern edge of the property back to its historical oak savanna condition. Oak savanna is characterized by scattered oak trees and treeless "openings" where grasses and forbs are dominant. Oak savanna was once common in southern Wisconsin but is now one of the most endangered plant communities in the Midwest. Many of the animal species that rely upon this habitat, including red-headed woodpeckers and whippoorwills, are rare and declining. Removing encroaching invasive tree and brush species allows for the regeneration of the oak population and an expanded habitat for nestling bird species.
In the fall of 2012, with the help of volunteers from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, APT staff and volunteers began building the nature trail that now takes visitors through the savanna.
The Battle with Invasive Species
Invasive species grow and spread in such a way that other species cannot compete. They turn biodiverse ecosystems into monocultures. APT has been battling invasive plants for many years. It is a labor-intensive endeavor that includes cutting, pulling, digging, spot-treating with herbicide or burning at specific times during the season to try to disrupt the life cycles of these plants.
Some of the invasive species you may see at APT include garlic mustard, Eurasion honeysuckle, buckthron, Japanese barberry, white and yellow sweet-clovers, autumn olive and multiflora rose. While it is unlikely we will be able to eliminate all these species, with persistent effort we will be able to keep the populations at a lvel that does not completely alter the diverse native ecosystem.
Each spring, over 50 volunteers join APT staff to pull the invasive distinct-smelling garlic mustard. If you're interested in becoming a Green Volunteer, contact Grace Vosen at gvosen@americanplayers.org or keep an eye on our Volunteer page.
Butterfly Resort: In 2014 we became registered as a Monarch Waystation. These are places that provide resources necessary for monarch butterflies to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. For more information on Monarch Waystations, visit MonarchWatch.org.
Our Champion Tree: In 2013 our signature black oak, located near the pavilion picnic shelter, was measured and named a Champion Tree or one of the largest of the species. At that time it was found to be the fourth largest black oak in the state of Wisconsin.
Sadly, on July 25, 2017 the beloved oak fell, having succumbed to old age. Some of the wood was harvested to be used in furniture and artwork, and acorns have been planted so that a new generation will one day enjoy the sun-dappled beauty supplied by these magnificent trees.
The Gateway Building: Among the first buildings you'll see when you arrive. Located on the north side of the parking lot, it is home to the Box Office, one of the Gift Shops and restrooms.
Lower Concessions: A concession stand located in the picnic area, just above Gateway. Open two hours before show time, this is the location to pick up pre-ordered picnics from Hubbard Avenue Diner. Sandwiches, snacks and beverages including wine by the bottle are also available.
Shuttle Stop: A small shelter located at the east end of the parking lot, near the Gateway building. Shuttles to both theaters depart from this location. Accessible parking is available nearby.
John's Place: John’s Place was created and named in memory of longtime board member and dear friend, John Frautschi, who loved the outdoors and the APT experience. A covered wooden shelter with open sides, located in the center of the picnic area between the entrance of the two paths to the Hill Theatre. This is the site of the Beyond the Plays Talks and some Backstage Series events. John's Place is also available for group rentals and when not in use is available for picnics. Seating capacity is approximately 50 beneath the shelter.
The Picnic Shelter: A large covered shelter located near the west end of the parking lot. With the exception of a few days each season, it is available for picnics.
The Pavilion: A smaller covered shelter located near the east end of the parking lot, the Pavilion is available for group rentals. It is also the location for Fat Jacks Barbecue on select Sundays throughout the season. When not rented, it is available for picnics.
Behind the Scenes
APT's production facilities are not generally open to the public, though tours are available.
The Bravo Center: Built in 2001, this is the home of APT's administrative offices, costume shop, prop shop and a rehearsal hall. It is open regular business hours, Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. It is located to the north of the main parking lot. :
The Alpha Center: Built in 2009, the Alpha Center opened at the same time as the Touchstone Theatre. It houses the scene shop, scene painting shop, a rehearsal hall and the Voice and Text department.
The Dressing Rooms: This building was originally built in 1990 but has re-opened after a major renovation and expansion. It is located behind the Hill Theatre and can accommodate 40 actors.
The Clubhouse: Constructed in 2017, this is where scenery is stored when it's not on stage. The building also includes production staff offices and long-term storage.
The Robert Dohmen Rehearsal Studio: Constructed in 2017, the Dohmen houses three rehearsal halls and was made possible by a gift from Robert Dohmen.
